Sprague thought differently and applied anyways. Now the 52-year-old from Moriah has officially taken oath as the Essex County’s first female county judge.

“Look at me now,” she said in response to her guidance counselor, shortly after being sworn in on Monday in front of a packed historic county courthouse.

Sprague was elected in November, besting attorney Brian Liam Kennelly, of Lake Placid. She garnered 11,515 votes to Kennelly’s 7,191 according to official results released by the Essex County Board of Elections.

During her speech on Monday, Sprague attributed the feat of being the first female judge in a county that was formed in 1799 to a mentality her parents instilled in her of perseverance and grit.

Judge Kristy Sprague is joined by her family after taking the oath of office for Essex County Judge in Elizabethtown on Monday. From left are niece Phidahlia Keyworth, brother-in-law James Keyworth, nephew Raiffe Keyworth, sister Sharlee Keyworth, niece Braylyn Keyworth, son Hayden Trow, mother Lani Sprague, Kristy Sprague, father Derek Sprague, daughter Jayde Trow, nephew Bryce Trow, husband Steve Trow, sister-in-law Tracy Sprague and brother Jason Sprague. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“I don’t think there was one time in my life where I was told (by them), ‘You can’t do that, you don’t do that,'” she said. “… I think that’s important as parents and ones in charge of our youth. Never, never tell someone you can’t do that. Provide that support and give them that gusto.”

Sprague graduated from Albany Law School in 1998 and holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. While in college, she originally planned on becoming a state trooper before one of her professors encouraged her to apply to law school, citing her academic prowess and ability to absorb new information quickly.

Sprague returned to the North Country to begin her legal career right out of law school, first working as an assistant district attorney in Clinton County. She was offered the position before, knowing if she even passed the state bar exam.

“Thank God I passed,” she said.

Sprague said never looked back, continuing to work as a prosecutor for her entire professional career prior to being elected judge.

Essex County Judge Kristy Sprague delivers a speech after taking the oath of office in Elizabethtown on Monday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“I’ve spent half of my life in public service,” she said. “And I don’t regret a day of any of it.”

Sprague spent time during her speech, thanking her family, friends, mentors and colleagues — in the district attorney’s office, law enforcement and local government. She had family members came up from North Carolina to watch the ceremony — some of which she hopes to inspire.

“I have some nieces and nephews that are still coming up through the ranks,” Sprague said. “I want to make sure that they know that anything is possible if you just work hard. … and pursue your dreams and don’t give up. You’re going to have stumbling blocks along the way but I am proof that it can be done.”

Former Moriah Town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava introduced Sprague.

“You certainly have the skills, experience and, most importantly, the compassion to do this very important job,” he said.

From left are Fulton County Family Court Judge James G. McAuliffe Jr., state Court of Claims Judge Kathleen B. Hogan, state Supreme Court Judge Allison M. McGahay, Essex County Judge Kristy Sprague, Hamilton County Judge Tatiana N. Coffinger and Plattsburgh city court Judge Timothy G. Blatchley. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Scozzafava, who has known her since she was a young, was proud of her track record as a public official, lauding her as someone who was always willing to listen and help.

“You’ve earned this,” he said. “You’ve given so many years to public service. As our district attorney, your phone was always open to town supervisors, local police, state police, judges; anybody that needed your advice and assistance. You were there for us and we appreciate it.”

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New year, new role

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Essex County Judge Kristy Sprague delivers a speech after taking the oath of office in Elizabethtown on Monday. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Sprague acknowledged that there was a learning curve associated with transitioning from district attorney — a position she was elected to in 2009 — to county judge.

As a prosecutor, much of her work was public-facing, something she’s enjoyed.

“You’re out there on the forefront,” she said. “You’re dealing with the public, you’re dealing with the press, you’re dealing with victims. … You can talk, do press conferences, and talk about matters.”

Conversely, Sprague said being a judge is more cloistered, and it was imperative to avoid doing anything that could lead to or give any sort of appearance of a conflict of interest.

“You’re more insulated, and rightfully so,” she said.

Sprague will attend a virtual judge training program on Thursday and Friday, as well as another mandatory training program later in January. She was also assigned a mentor — Hamilton County Judge Tatania Coffinger.

Sprague said the two positions are similar, with her and Coffinger both serving as “three hat judges” — meaning they preside over cases in criminal, surrogate and family court.

She noted that because of her previous position as the district attorney, she could not hear any criminal cases in Essex County for one year. Her and Coffinger will switch spots during that time, with Coffinger presiding over criminal cases in Essex County and Sprague in Hamilton County. Sprague said in addition to having a mentor, other judges had reached out and offered to help as she learns the role.

“You have a huge network,” Sprague said. “It’s just learning how to reach out and who your contacts are.”

County judges in New York are elected to serve 10-year terms, with a mandatory retirement age of 70.